Discovery Opens Long Term Insurance Learnership for Young South Africans
Discovery has announced applications for its Long Term Insurance Learnership 2026, offering young South Africans living with disabilities an opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification while building valuable workplace experience in the financial services sector.
The programme combines structured classroom learning with practical on-the-job training and leads to the Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Long Term Insurance (NQF Level 4).
Designed for unemployed youth who are passionate about customer service and financial services, the learnership provides participants with exposure to a professional corporate environment while developing skills that can improve future employment opportunities.
Learnership Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Discovery |
| Business Unit | Discovery Central Services |
| Programme | Long Term Insurance Learnership (PWD) |
| Industry | Financial Services |
| Qualification | FETC: Long Term Insurance |
| NQF Level | Level 4 |
| Learning Method | Classroom Learning and Workplace Experience |
| Target Group | Young Persons with Disabilities |
| Closing Date | Not Specified |
About Discovery
Discovery is one of South Africa’s leading financial services organisations, providing innovative products and services across health insurance, life insurance, investments, banking, wellness and employee benefits.
The company is committed to developing young talent through graduate programmes, internships and learnerships while creating opportunities that promote diversity, inclusion and equal access to employment.
Its purpose is to help people live healthier lives while protecting their financial wellbeing through innovation and customer-focused solutions.
About the Learnership
The Discovery Long Term Insurance Learnership has been developed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical workplace skills required in the insurance industry.
Throughout the programme, learners receive structured training while gaining hands-on experience within Discovery’s business operations.
The qualification prepares participants for careers within long-term insurance, customer service and financial administration by exposing them to real workplace environments.
Areas of Workplace Exposure
Successful learners may gain experience in areas such as:
- Medical aid customer service.
- Client support.
- Claims administration.
- Health benefits administration.
- New business processing.
- Contact centre operations.
- Financial services administration.
The workplace component allows learners to apply classroom knowledge while learning from experienced professionals.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have successfully completed Grade 12.
- Mathematics: Minimum Level 4 (50%) or
- Mathematical Literacy: Minimum Level 5 (60%).
- English: Minimum Level 4 (50%).
- Second Language: Minimum Level 4 (50%).
Applicants who have started but not completed a tertiary qualification may have an added advantage.
Additional Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants should also:
- Be between 18 and 25 years of age.
- Not be employed.
- Not be enrolled in post-Matric studies.
- Not have completed another learnership previously.
- Have good written and verbal English communication skills.
- Possess basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook.
The programme is specifically intended to support persons living with disabilities, and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.
Personal Attributes
Discovery is looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong problem-solving ability.
- Critical thinking skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Good organisational skills.
- Time management.
- Ability to prioritise tasks.
- Teamwork.
- Self-motivation.
- Adaptability.
- Customer service orientation.
- Willingness to learn.
These qualities are important for working successfully in a fast-paced customer-focused environment.
What You Will Learn
Participants will develop knowledge and practical skills in:
- Long-term insurance principles.
- Customer service.
- Claims handling.
- Client relationship management.
- Medical aid administration.
- Insurance regulations.
- Business communication.
- Workplace professionalism.
- Office administration.
- Computer applications.
- Financial services operations.
The programme combines formal learning with practical workplace experience to improve job readiness.
Skills You Could Gain
By completing the learnership, participants may strengthen their abilities in:
- Customer communication.
- Administrative support.
- Data capturing.
- Problem-solving.
- Computer literacy.
- Time management.
- Team collaboration.
- Service excellence.
- Professional workplace behaviour.
- Financial services knowledge.
These transferable skills are valuable across many industries.
Career Opportunities
After completing the qualification, learners may pursue careers such as:
- Call Centre Consultant.
- Customer Service Consultant.
- Claims Administrator.
- Insurance Administrator.
- Client Services Consultant.
- Medical Aid Administrator.
- Policy Administrator.
- Contact Centre Agent.
- Financial Services Administrator.
- Insurance Sales Support Consultant.
The nationally recognised qualification can also support future career growth within the insurance and financial services sector.
Why Apply for This Learnership?
South Africa’s financial services industry continues to offer opportunities for individuals with recognised qualifications and workplace experience.
The Discovery Long Term Insurance Learnership provides participants with practical exposure to one of the country’s leading financial services companies while earning an accredited qualification that can improve future employability.
For young people living with disabilities, the programme also reflects Discovery’s commitment to workplace inclusion and equal employment opportunities.
Application Tips
To improve your application:
- Ensure your Grade 12 results meet the minimum subject requirements.
- Prepare an updated CV.
- Highlight your computer and communication skills.
- Include certified supporting documents where required.
- Check your contact details before submitting.
- Apply as early as possible.
Where to Apply
Applications should be submitted through Discovery’s official careers portal or the official recruitment platform where the learnership is advertised.
Applicants should carefully read all instructions and upload the required supporting documents before submitting their applications.
Closing Date
Closing Date: Not Specified
Discovery has not published an official closing date for this learnership. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible while applications remain open.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
Young South Africans living with disabilities who meet the published educational and eligibility requirements.
What qualification will I receive?
Successful learners will complete the FETC: Long Term Insurance (NQF Level 4).
Is Grade 12 required?
Yes. Grade 12 is a compulsory requirement.
Can I apply if I previously completed another learnership?
No. Applicants should not have completed a previous learnership.
Can students currently studying apply?
No. Applicants should not be enrolled in post-Matric studies during the programme.
Is previous work experience required?
No previous work experience has been listed as a requirement.
Why This Learnership Matters
South Africa’s insurance industry relies on skilled professionals who can deliver excellent customer service while understanding financial products and client needs. Programmes like the Discovery Long Term Insurance Learnership help young people develop these valuable workplace skills through accredited learning and practical experience.
For participants, the programme offers more than a qualification—it provides exposure to a respected employer, opportunities to build professional confidence, and a strong foundation for a career in financial services.
Editorial Policy
This article has been independently prepared using publicly available information about the Discovery Long Term Insurance Learnership. It is intended to provide an informative overview for prospective applicants. Candidates should verify all eligibility requirements, application procedures, and programme details through Discovery’s official recruitment channels before applying.
Sources and References
- Discovery Careers
- Discovery Central Services
- Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
Disclaimer: This article is an independent editorial summary and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Discovery. Learnership requirements, application procedures, programme availability, and recruitment timelines may change without notice. Applicants should always refer to the official Discovery careers website for the latest information before submitting an application.
